Unbalanced inputs are converted to balanced? So there's no reason to use an outboard phase splitter to convert unbalanced RCA signal to balanced XLR?

Sorry, I haven't been able to get on the forum often these days (managed to get a new job. Yay!)

If I understand your question(s) the answer(s) are yes :-)

The HDVD800 is a fully balanced system from the DACs all the way through to the headphone jacks and XLR outputs (there are no RCA outputs). The RCA inputs are split into an active balanced configuration INTERNAL to the HDVD800 where it is then fed through the selector switch into the balanced amplifier stream.

By the way, the unbalanced RCA inputs are also unique in that they have a level control on the rear of the HDVD800 so that they can be matched volume wise to other inputs like the DAC or the other digital inputs

Oh, and as far as the unbalanced output jack on the front of the unit goes, they are basically just using one side of each balanced channel's output.

Thanks for the reply Wisemanja! Since I have a DAC (Benchmark DAC2 HGC), I decided to go for the HDVA 600 and I just got it yesterday. Using balanced HF cables from Q-audio for my HD800s and so far so good. Too early to do any comparisons to the DAC2's headphone amp, but I'll give the HDVA 600 a few tens of hours of run-in over the weekend and then start doing some serious listening.

BTW, if anyone in the states is interested in either of these Senn products, I got mine @ Crutchfield and they have a 60-day return policy, so plenty of time to try and no risk if it doesn't turn out to be everything your heart desired!

Bookmark my new site Audio360.org because we will have something very nice to go with your HDVA 600 and HDVD 800. I can't give more details right now, but I already have it in my hands so we are not far from public release.

Bookmark my new site Audio360.org because we will have something very nice to go with your HDVA 600 and HDVD 800. I can't give more details right now, but I already have it in my hands so we are not far from public release.

Bookmark my new site Audio360.org because we will have something very nice to go with your HDVA 600 and HDVD 800. I can't give more details right now, but I already have it in my hands so we are not far from public release.

Does the DAC do any re-sampling? And does the volume control affect the XLR analog outputs? (I guess the obvious answer is "yes," but I wanted to make sure.) I've been looking for something that might be able to replace my DacMagic Plus.